Thomas Robinson Architects

One day at Ecobuild is not enough really, but with planning and determined focus I was still able to get a lot out of it, and a bag full of leaflets and samples for our own mini ecobuild over lunch in the office conference table presented by me.

A morning seminar on the take up of Passivhaus design in the UK was stimulating and a good chance to feel the pulse of how this methodology is at last starting to take off here. Then it was on to a heatpump talk; those magic machines that deliver up to five times the energy output in the form of heating and hot water for every one unit of input energy in the form of electricity. We have been specifying them at TRA for some years but there is always new stuff to know; for example due to expected gradual decarbonisation of the grid and carbonisation of gas supplies we should be proposing them on many more sites than we have been, they are not just for the rural jobs.

Next was a surprise to see one of our own projects ( a house called East Cambussmoon) on the TRADA stand, fame at last, and then onward to the Natural Building Technologies standand for their wonderfull earthy, woody, limy, healthy products that always make me want to be a builder and not just an Architect, especialy those giant clay blocks. Big boys lego, I want a shot.

Latest Surgery Event to be held at Esporta Milngavie Thursday 28th January 5-9pm.

If you are thinking of building, refurbishing or extending bring along your ideas and photos and chat to one of our architects over a glass of wine . This is a free event.

Click on the link for directions.

 We have now achieved RIBA Chartered Practice status. We are looking forward to  the  benefits of being members.

Well, I didn’t need my posh frock last night at the 2009 Saltire Awards. It was an interesting evening however  and most of the shortlisted projects demonstrated good architecture. When the winners are published it will be interesting to see how they are tackling sustainable issues. Here at Thomas Robinson Architects we want our contibutions to Scotland’s built heritage to be recognised not just for their aesthetic qualities  but for their contribution towards a sustainable  built  environment, so we’d like to hear from you if you have a project in mind.  We are having another Surgery in January so come along to that with your ideas or give us a ring.

Be part of next year’s awards with us.

At the begining of December governments will meet at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to agree a global treaty to suceed the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in  2012. The role that the built environment can play in reducing carbon emissions is huge but it appears that there is still considerable ignorance amongst negotiating teams about the immense contribution of the built environment to greenhouse gas emissions and therefore potentially to their limitation.

Here at grass roots level we are working hard at the nitty gritty issues of U Values, air tightness and thermal bridging which are equally essential. There are so many options and products on the market for today’s new house builders it is important to have a balanced view and take a holistic approach to what you incorporate into your build. This is where the architect’s knowledge can add real value to your project. We recommend getting in touch with the right architect early on in the process for maximum benefit.

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) said carbon emissions form people’s homes needed to be cut by 35% before 2020. There are many measures we can all take to improve emissions from our homes - have a look at the Energy Savings Trust Interactive House to see where you can make savings. There are approximately 25 million homes in the UK and they account for around a quarter of the UK’s CO2 emissions. Emissions need to be reduced by 35% on todays levels by 2022 in order to meet carbon targets. Thinking hard  about energy consumption during  the planning stage of an extension or a new build means a healthier future for family and more money in your purse.

If you are in any doubt about whether you can afford to design sustainably, watch this documentary and you’ll realize you can’t afford not to. Click here to see a preview.

Read the article and post a comment. Click Here to find out more.

Tom Robinson, practice principal is now an RIAS Conservation Accredited Architect. Go to the News Section for further information.

Have a look at our News and Project Section where there are details of the Herald Award.